[RTTY] CQ-Contest SO2R - the main issue

[Eric - VE3GSI]

Hi Dennis,

I think you will find this delay is from what several of the Contest Ops
have been saying - "There is a skill level to operating SO2R". There is no
doubt that this annoying delay does happen, but with the more experienced
SO2R Contest Ops the delay is less or even none existent. 

Most of us have noticed that almost every new contest entrant often has slow
replies, lengthy or wrong macros. Work that same fellow several contests
later and most likely you will find his skill for contesting has been
streamlined. I am going to bet the same will happen with the new SO2R Op,
give him some time and I bet the level of his skill will also improve. I
don't think the mode matters, RTTY, CW or even Phone, it will take time for
most every new contester to find his/her comfort zone, no matter the station
configuration.

Sort of think most seasoned Contest Ops thought they were working a real
'Lid' when my  first contest exchanges were sent. Now I hope my skills (and
macros) have been honed for a speedy and accurate exchange. It would be
interesting to hear how the more efficient SO2R Ops have streamlined their
skills to lessen any delay.

To add to your query, it might be interesting to follow how well how well
these same 'slow' SO2R Ops do after putting a few 'tests under their belt?

To be fair, I have also thought of another scenario. It could be the delayed
SO2R station could be swamping his second transceiver with the first
transceiver, therefore his second rig could be 'deaf as a door knob' and
simply not hearing a calling station. Given time, hopefully this Op will
overcome the technical challenges of his SO2R station and lessen any on-air
delay.

73 Eric - VE3GSI




> -----Original Message-----
> From: Dennis OConnor 
> 
> It is obvious that SO2R is a divisive issue... 
>   The problem in this particular thread is that it has 
> drifted into finger pointing instead of staying on the 
> original topic which is:
>    
>   What to do about the SO2R op who comes back on a frequency 
> after a delay from working his other radio, claiming it is 
> still his frequency...
>   This is the single big issue of SO2R that I can see....
>    
>   If someone has the time and interest, it would be 
> enlightning to follow some of the SO2R ops around and record 
> their frequency(s)...
>   Maybe it would show there is a pervasive problem, maybe not...
>    
>   denny / k8do